(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)
Kroq-gar sat at his office, looking over the papers of information that he got from someone infiltrating the capital of E-Rantel. Which one specifically well that's the question as he shifted the papers having reports of Skinks and butlers from Alfred division wanting to remake the 1st Airborne division having used some of the spawning pools to create his numbers by using both skink and human DNA. The humans would be tricky as they are going to be in a tube but it's better then nothing already having the first batch being trained by his good lads he calls it. Troop management and spawning pool formation sounded much more entertaining than looking at this boring paperwork.
Detailing the current political situation as corruption is rampant, Baharuth is freaking out and is at a standstill, Slann Theocracy is at a war with the elves in the south in an all present stalemate at the moment as they are gathering for a big push. Very boring as it's just the usual human empire shenanigans. Wanting to take a look at something else for a change, he looked up and saw Ember wiping down the table with her maid dress exposing the top of her breast. Why they did that well there were some complications as they were quite large compared to the standard human getting the other maids jealous of their figures.
As she continued cleaning the table, Kroq-gar couldn't help but notice her breasts kept swaying to the movement of her hand, Kind of hypnotizing making him blush as he hadn't seen them do that before in a very long time that wasn't in a life or death situation. Feeling like he was too harsh on Pepe'kek when he was grilling him about the Saurus having certain feelings for the amazon auxiliary forces. Soon Ember looked up and noticed Kroq-gar staring at her, she stopped what she was doing and quickly stood straight.
Ember: Is there something wrong my lord?
Worried from the predator's eyes that he was scrutinizing her. Kroq-gar stammered quickly to make something up.
Kroq-gar: Uh-No, no, nothing wrong I was just admiring your beauty.
Groaning mentally that was the worst pick-up line, excuse, and observation he could say.
Kroq-gar: 'Nice going dumbass, no way she falling for this'
Kroq-gar thought to himself, But Ember blushed at the sudden compliment, she didn't expect a compliment, especially from the king. She had been called many things overtime as a slave, whore, bitch, pig, why is her boobs that big, etc. But never was complimented on her beauty.
Ember: Lord, you make me blush, am I done here my lord?
Ember chuckled and wanted to know that's it. Kroq-gar raised his eyes and that compliment worked. Wait no it didn't work and was just trying to say something to get out of this situation. Looking at her blush from the awkwardness in the room.
Kroq-gar: Oh, Yes you may leave now
Ember gave a light bow and left the room with a blush on her face thinking that was the nicest thing anyone had said to her. As the door closed Kroq-gar hit his head on the desk and let out a muffled scream.
Kroq-gar: Great job me, now she thinks I'm a pervert
lifting his head to see the pile of paperwork still unfinished. Letting out a big sigh and picked the feather pen and continue to work signing off the expansions, general maintenance work, punitive expeditions to the underground ratmen, Mazdamundi petition to enact his version of the great plan again, Mineral excavations, SkekTek requesting more crystals, Olivia wanting to know if she could visit the dragon kingdom, and the general update at Carne Village.
The Adventure group named the Swords of Darkness along with Nabe, and Momon traveling on the dirt road path guarding Nfirea and his wagon filled with goods and supplies to the village. Nfirea looked around for a potential spot to take a break. Finding it and asking the leader of this group known as Peter to head off.
Nfirea: Excuse me, Sir Peter?
Peter: Yes?
Nfirea: Why don't we take a break around that area
Nfirea points to a small spot by the riverside, Peter nods.
Peter: Good idea. Mister Momon?
Momon nodded.
Momon: I understand
Nfirea unhooks the horse from the wagon so that he can lead it to the river for a quick drink. As he does that, the rest of the group by the wagon waiting for him to finish, Muerte looks to Momon and Nabe.
Muerte: Enjoy this while you can
Momon hmpth at that.
Momon: Don't worry about us we'll be careful
Momon: 'I'll have to be, I can't use many of my magic in this armor, playing the tank role was never my speed'
Momon thought of the restrictions he placed on himself so as to not reveal himself as Ainz. He then turned to look at Nabe scanning the horizons for any threats but mostly at Muerte as she feels he was something else but only a hunch which inferates her as she feels she isn't doing a good job at bodyguarding Lord Ainz.
Momon: 'If things get out of hand, Narberal will use 5th tier magic, I'm not sure what were facing but hopefully that would be enough, if not I may have to get serious'
Lukrut: Try not to look so worried Nabe, everything'll be fine as long I'm here, I'm the best set of eyes and ears this side of the Re-estize kingdom
Lukrut makes his way as he notices Nabe was being quite angry and winks at her, but she doesn't take notice of him.
Lukrut: Don't be shy, you can praise~
Nabe: Can I squash him yet?
Nabe said flatley but really wanted to murder this mosquito but Momon looked at her in disappointment.
Momon: Nabe
Nabe tried to defend herself in the most honest way she could think of.
Nabe: Mosquitoes should be handled without mercy, please sir?
Lukrut pretended to be hurt from that but posed again hoping to win her affection again.
Lukrut: Harsh, but it's ok gorgeous I so can tell you want me
He was then suddenly hit in the head by Muerte.
Muerte: Quiet you idiota enamorado
Getting his ear pulled by Muerte who pleased to stop. Everyone chuckled even Nabe with her ever serious face cracked a most tiny grin which was enough of her to cover with her hand as she has appearances to keep. Ninya decides to change the subject.
Ninya: I just realized something, we're entering the wise king of the forests territory
This peaks Momon's interest as this might be a boss monster to fight and win.
Momon: Who is this wise king?
Nfirea turned to Momon and explained.
Nfirea: It's a very wise and powerful magic creature, at least that's what the legends say, not only can it cast magic, but it's physically strong, if its razor sharp claws don't finish you off, its snake tail will
Momon looked into the distance. Thinking that sounded very interesting, it might be a chimera if the description is to go by.
Momon: Interesting...I think I'd like to meet it
After the break was done. Nfirea was saddling the horse back onto the wagon and the adventurers got ready to head out once again. Ninya was talking to Momon about magic in this world, trying to see if we could use it to his advantage.
Momon: So such things are actually possible
Ninya: Yes, you can make a lot with creation magic even basics like salt and sugar, there's also spells like alarm that can warn when danger is nearby
Momon: I see, may I ask something else
Momon: 'The more I know, the more questions I have, it's seem that technology level is that of the middle ages, but there magic is on a completely new level'
Momon's thoughts were soon interrupted by Lukrut trying to flirt with Nabe again.
Lukrut: You always seem super relax Nabe, is it because you know I'm keeping you safe~
Nabe just glared at Lukrut trying to control herself by not cutting this man where he stands.
Nabe: It has nothing to do with you, I'm with mister Momon
Then Momon lays a hand on Nabe's shoulder, this act diffuses Nabe liking the hold but at the same time knows it's an order, while Momon looks away trying to get back to the magic question. Lukrut spoke again, noticing the hand thing was what lovers do and wanted to get confirmation.
Lukrut: So what you're telling me you two are lover's after all
Nabe then protested even blushing as her ever serious self changed quickly.
Nabe: No I never said that, stop putting words in my mouth, lady Albedo is the only one he needs by her side!
Momon quickly yelled back as Nabe just yelled out a Nazarick secret to these adventurers.
Momon: Stop, Nabe, what are you thinking!
This causes everyone to pay attention to Momon and Nabe from the yelling. Both of them looked at each other and calmed down. Momon cleared his throat and asked Lukrut politely to stop his prying.
Momon: Mr Lukrut, please stop looking into our personal life
Lukrut blinked, noticing he was married to some noble after all but he shrugged it off as Nabe was still free. But first compliments Momon in getting a noble lady by his side.
Lukrut: Uh...Sure, my bad, though from the sound of it your one luckily man mister Momon
Peter then approaches the group to break up the tension while Muerte was pulling his ear to the side.
Peter: I'm sorry he can be idiotic sometimes, please forgive him, I promise he doesn't mean any harm about it
Momon nodded as he too had to deal with idiotic people but it's fine as long as no one else digs too deeply.
Momon: It's fine as long as he careful from now on we'll have no trouble
Peter sighed as he rubbed the back of his head approaching Lukrut who was rubbing his ear as Muerte was shaking his head no.
Peter: You really need to stop delving into people's business-
Peter was soon interrupted by Lukrut raising his hand and smirking.
Lukrut: There on the move
Everyone guard was up, except for Muerte who was just leaning on the carriage. Peter questions Lukrut on the general direction where.
Peter: From where?
Lukrut: Just passed the tree line
Lukrut answered and In the distance, coming out of the forest is a large band of short green pudgy men known as goblins and large blue and orange creatures hunched over carrying clubs known as ogres run forwards and towards the adventuring group. Aiming to have dinner for today. Then the group could see Muerte walking down the hill.
Peter: Muerte, what are you doing
Muerte turned around and smiled
Muerte: What does it look like I'm doing, I'm going to kill some monsters
Muerte then turned back pulling out two long sickle blades spinning and hitting the blades together as he continued walking down.
Muerte: Haha, this is going to be, fun
Lukrut: I don't think we're gonna avoid this fight
Lukrut said, pulling out an arrow out of his quiver.
Peter: It's gonna get ugly really quick, the best thing you can do Nfirea is stay hidden in the cart
Nfirea quickly went under the sheets of the cart on Peter's orders leaving enough space for him to watch the battle.
Nfirea: Alright, my life is in your hands
Peter then looks to Momon and Nabe.
Peter: Mr Momon what's the best way to split the group up?
Momon: All of you stay close to Nfirea, I'll show him our services are worth every coin.
Momon telling Peter his opinion. Peter nodded.
Peter: That sounds good to me, but we're not just going to watch, you'll have all the extended support we can muster
Peter looked to Ninya who took out his staff in the air getting on the cart to cast support and attack spells on the vantage point. However she needed to point out a flaw with this plan.
Ninya: If we go completely defensive most of them will escape back into the forest
Lukrut and Peter look at each other.
Lukrut: In that case I say we do the usual, pull the turtle's head out of its shell and cut it off!
Lukrut explains that they will lure said attack groups to overextend themselves and cut off the pockets one by one. However Dyne pointed out that Momon despite being the tank will have foes that will run around him.
Dyne: Sound strategy, but flawed even though Mr. Momon will take the front of there attack, what about the ones who get through
Peter then pulled out his long sword.
Peter: That's easy, I'll use my fortress martial art and hold the ogres back, the goblins are all yours
Dyne readies his mace as he smiles that he gets to do the fun part of the plan.
Dyne: I was hoping you would say that
Peter: Ninya, you'll protect me with defensive magic, once I'm clear, focus on crowd control and attack spells.
Ninya readying the spells in his mind thinking of the spell "Turtle shell" and "Fire ground"
Ninya: Right! No prob!
Peter now looked to Lukrut who was taking his position on the flank.
Peter: Lukrut, you'll take care of any wayward goblins, and if an ogre gets past me, take it out!
Lukrut: Leave it to me
Peter then looks at Momon and Nabe standing at the side and pulling out their weapons.
Peter: Does all of that work for you Mr. Momon
Momon: Yes
With that said Lukrut fires an arrow near the ogres and goblins but he misses. The goblins laugh thinking that this human was a terrible shot and continue to charge forwards.
Lukrut: Fell for it!
He yelled out that it was a decoy shot to get the goblins to be reckless in their charge which allows for an opening to take another shot and this time it hits a goblins head, killing it instantly. Ninya casts a reinforced armor spell on Peter while Dyne touches the ground wrapping an ogre in vines. Momon walks towards the ogres drawing out his two massive longswords.
Peter and Lukrut were amazed at the sheer size of those weapons as it looked more clean and powerful then what they have ever seen before. The ogre raised its weapons to squash Momon but instead he jumped into the air and with one blow cut the monsters in half from head to toe sending the two sides to the side.
Lukrut: Holy-
Lukrut interrupted himself as he chuckled for a bit as they all watched the display of power. Peter smiled as he thought out loud on what Momon adventurer level could be.
Peter: He is stronger than I thought, could he be Orichalcum, or maybe Adamantite level
The group then suddenly hear whistling, they turn to see Muerte whistling as he approaches two of the ogres, as both the ogres raise their wooden clubs to smash these beast men underneath their clubs. But, Muerte was instantly behind the two in an instant. It was almost as if he teleported behind the two ogres. not even Momon or Nabe could see what he had done but have a hunch it might be the sickle blades as it glowed for a tiny bit before returning into cold steel. The two ogres checked themselves and patted each other down to see what damage he did but felt fine. The ogres laughed thinking that was a fluke and turned around to crush him again, Peter then shouted out.
Peter: Muerte look out!
Muerte paid no attention to this, he spun his two suckle blades and retracted to his side. With that done the ogres stopped approaching Muerte, their expressions going into complete shock as they watched their own bodies fall to the ground. Their heads were cut clean off leaving the group in shock that they have another powerful adventurer but this time they have them as a permanent member in the group.
Lukrut: Holy-
Lukrut laughs again a little louder as Peter eyes widen watching Muerte walking to the next set of Ogres trying to charge them.
Peter: Can he also be-
Dyne: Most likely
Dyne interrupted as he needed the group to focus at the moment as the goblins were on the approach.
Momon and Nabe were dealing with the other monster, finding them a lot easier as the creatures were forcing one of them to fight him, not wanting to go near him. Allowing them some thoughts to go through about this Muerte character might either be a player or Kroq-gar spies. Momon looked over at the trolls who were hesitating to attack.
Momon: What's wrong? Afraid to attack me
Momon taunted them, which pissed off the ogre's gathering around him and charged forwards. This didn't phase him at all, instead he counter changed dodging the reckless attacks the leading ogre was swinging in a blind rage cutting him in half in a vertical slice. Swinging his blade to clean up the blood he pointed his sword at the other ogres.
Momon: Alright, who's next
This frightened the gathering ogres for a bit trying to debate if they should charge or retreat. With this distraction the goblins were able to get past Momon by going around him and charging at the swords of darkness hoping to steal some of the caravan loot and leaving.
Peter: Get ready Ninya
Peter yelled out to Ninya who prepared his spell watching him charges at goblins. Killing one by slicing its head off, and following up quickly by stabbing another one in the chest. But that was the standard tactic of goblins as they don't care how many die just so long as one gets a kill shot for Peter didn't see a goblin pressing his advantage to attack from the back.
Ninya: Magic arrow!
Ninya yelled out, Shooting the goblin trying to press his advantage only to be killed by a light arrow piercing his back. The two goblins noticed they were being shot down and went to charge at Ninya.
Lukrut: Here they come
Lukrut threw away his bow and pulled out his sword. With Dyne finally able to get into battle charging at the goblins as they charged in.
Dyne: About time
Momon slowly approaches the ogre while looking back at the group.
Momon: There is a skill party, they are aware of each other's strengths, and work well together, still, they don't hold a candle to my own allies
Momon thought outloud thinking about party composition if the desire of getting more of the residents to join his adventuring party. Half paying attention to an ogre descending his club about to hit Momon, he sidesteps casually thinking the rest of the world is weak compared to the mobs he face daily in his Yggdrasil days and kills the ogre attacking him. Then slicing another casually watching he managed to kill enough as the trolls were cowering before him. This made the ogre's drop their weapon's and try to make an escape to the forest. Momon turned to nabe who was standing by the side.
Momon: Nabe your turn
Nabe: Right
Nabe jumped into the air and landed a few feet from the ogre's trying to flee into the woods. She raised her hand and pointed to the ogres. Feeling the lighting course through her finger tips and casually said the verbal component needed to enact the spell.
Nabe: "Chain lighting!"
Then a bolt of lightning shot out of her fingers and killed the leading ogre while passing through it, killing another one dropping their bodies into charred corpses. The goblins heard the lighting strike and turned their heads finding their ogres were turned into a crisp. Thinking this raid was lost they turned around and ran. Peter yelled out and pointed his sword.
Peter: Hey! Don't let them escape!
After the cleanup of the fleeing goblins. The monster body's were everywhere as they tried to flee in all directions. But with the help of Momon, Nabe, and Murte they made short work of them. Peter and Lukrut were getting healed by Dyne along with checking their wounds, Muerte laying on the grass, and Ninya looting the bodies or taking some teeth to sell at an alchemist shop. Dyne held his hand towards Peter and Lukrut.
Dyne:"Minor healing light!"
With the verbal component said, Dyne's hands glowed a light green transferring the light to Peter & Lukrut body who started to glow a light green as well. While this was happening Ninya was using a dagger to cut a piece of an ogre ear.
Momon: Are the ears valuable?
Thinking they used the similar thing at Yggdrasil by the goblins' ears, or Ogre heads to fulfill his dailies as busy work. Ninya shook his head.
Ninya: Not on their own, but you can exchange them in other parts for a reward from the guild, it can be pretty lucrative.
Momon went into deeper thought as these types of monsters also give out some currency being crystals that could be used in...everything. There wasn't anything you don't use them on. Besides quest items and money of the second currency to purchase another set of items but that's a story for another time.
Momon: So crystal are rare trinkets don't just randomly drop from them
Momon said to get his information verified. Ninya blinked as he looked up to him.
Ninya: To be honest, I've never even heard of ogres carrying crystals or trinkets
Momon hmm at that as the crystals are rare in this world and might only be held in the dungeons.
Momon: I see
After taking the ears off of the ogres and placing it in his bag he looked up to mom and complemented his skills.
Ninya: You were pretty impressive amazing back there, you two are far more skill then I expected
While Peter and Lukrut were still healing, look over at Momon and Nabe. Overhearing the conversation and making small talk.
Lukrut: I wouldn't mind having a sword like that
Dyne nodded as he put his hand down seeing the spell did his work.
Dyne: I've seen incredible fighters before, but I wouldn't be surprised if you're stronger than a royal head warrior.
Nabe: Far stronger
Nabe subtly corrected their limited understanding of the world. Peter sighs and leaned back on the carriage.
Peter: It's moments like these that there's always a bigger fish in the sea.
Momon crossed his arms and looked at the gathering teams while thinking that Muerte would be hard carrying them until eventually they too could stand on their two feet. Just like him and touch me.
Momon: Don't worry, In time your team will defeat even greater odds with ease
This made the group surprised, but then turned into laughter with Muerte taking a look having a slight smile and whistling looking up at the sky thinking he might see a certain frog who croaked looking down on them.
The group continued to travel towards the Carne Village. Finding it was dark now after some time and the group of adventurers went to set up camp for the night. Now sitting around the campfire they eat and tell stories about them and laugh at Lukrut story of getting in a bar fight.
Dyne: I think you got the worst of it
Dyne chuckled with Lukrut nodding.
Lukrut: Oh ya, well you didn't see the other guy
Momon just looked down at his soup thinking how he is supposed to eat his soup.
Momon: 'Crap, what should I do? If I drink it would go between my bones'
This was soon interrupted when Lukrut tried to seduce Nabe again.
Lukrut: What's the matter? Is the soup to hot if that's the case, I'll let cool in my mouth first and feed it to you that way
Nabe didn't show it, but she was mad. So much so that she broke the spoon in half with just her hand. This stops Lukrut advances in fear for his life, trying to break the awkwardness Nfirea spoke.
Nfirea: Sir Peter, can I ask you a question?
Peter: Huh? Sure what is it?
Peter looked over to Nfirea moving his soup with his spoon.
Nfirea: How did you recruit Muerte?
This sparked interest in Momon as well wanting to know further if his hutches were true or not. Peter had a shy smile and rubbed his head, Peter just shrugged.
Peter: Well you see It was kinda like how we hired Momon and Nabe
Nfirea tilted his head.
Nfirea: Really
Peter said and retails the story on how they recruited Muerte
Peter: Yea, this is how it goes...
Flashback
In the adventures guild, all eyes are at the front desk. The receptionist was nervous and her hand was shaking. when enlisting this adventure. In front of her was a hooded beast man figure. She couldn't see his face but she was able to see two big pulsing red eyes and his wolf nose.
Receptionist: W-w-we almost d-d-done I-I just n-need your n-name s-s-sir, w-what is i-it?
The hooded smile, she could see his sharp fangs which scared her more.
?: Oh my name?
The hooded figure then took off his hood revealing his wolf face.
Muerte: My name is Silbón la Muerte
Receptionist: A-alrighty s-sir, e-everything is c-complete h-here's your c-copper plate
The guild's receptionist shook her head yes, still shivering in her boots and placed the copper plate necklace on the table. Thankful that she isn't putting the necklace on him. Muerte smiled and took the copper plate from the table. The receptionist could see his toothy grin making her sweat even more.
Muerte: Thank you, oh and by the way where the nearest bar
The Receptionist trying to fight her body from shutting down tried her best to recall where the bar is.
Receptionist: O-o-oh, t-the nearest b-bar is a f-few blocks to your right t-there's a beer mug as a sign, y-you can't miss it
Muerte nodded his head in thanks.
Muerte: Thank you
With that Muerte put on his copper plate around his neck and exited out of the adventures guild, eyes still following him feeling a cold chill in their spines. As he left, the guild receptionist fainted out of shock. Getting checked up by the healers on sight so she doesn't die from a heart attack. However those further back didn't feel the chill instead this intrigues a certain group of adventurers.
Muerte entered the inn named "the drunken adventurer". Having earned his name as an adventurer decided this place was a good location to get drunk and that was the short and end of it as all bars don't really need a long history for it to be here. Sometimes a place is a place, however despite this being a place it does attract interesting types that are considered adventurers. Finding one interesting adventure as a large beastman entered the establishment. Attracting everyone 's eyes and low murmurs filled the air as this wolf occupied a table in the corner. As he settled in and took the corner seat, just personal preference as these corner seats provide a good view on all sorts of interesting patrones. Finding the waitress walking over and greeted him.
Waitress: Hello there sir, what can I get you?
Muerte: Beer, and get me the strongest stuff you got.
Muerte ordered his drink and the waitress bowed her head.
Waitress: Right away sir
Then the waitress left. From the casing of certain individuals, this was a popular place for adventurers to travel between their quests, and the inn had quite the reputation for providing excellent service. Bit standard but nothing noteworthy, At first his mannerisms and him just arriving at the bar would be any ordinary adventurer, Sometimes beastmen have arrived here to be adventurers getting some mormons but that's it. Yet something about his aura made people second guess his identity of being any ordinary beastmen.
Muerte was leaning back in his chair waiting for his drink as he listened in to the adventures talk about him before they quickly moved on to something else. Muerte thought this could be a good time to write down something, about to pull out something out of his robe until he saw a shadow on his table. He look up to see a young man with blonde hair and blue eyes, he greeted Muerte with a smile.
?: Excuse me sir, is this seat taken?
Muerte just shrugged.
Muerte: It's all yours
?: Thanks
The young man said and sat down.
?: Oh by the way my name is-
Muerte: Peter, Peter Mauk
This made Peter surprised that this stranger knows not only his name but his full name.
Peter: So you heard of me.
Muerte shrugged as his special eyes can see more than tiny creatures. Able to see their souls themselves, their desires, their colors, even their names. Such is standard for the aspects of the other world residents working day and night to get souls to rest in peace. Along with getting those that don't deserve it by having a visit in their beds at night.
Muerte: Ehh, word gets around.
Peter thought the adventurer swords of darkness managed to get a reputation. So he brushed it off and decided to send his pitch.
Peter: Yea, I guess it does, the reason I'm here I have a proposition for you.
Muerte smiled and listened in as he kicked his legs up on the table.
Muerte: Well I'm all ears.
Peter said yes in his mind and quickly went to his pitch.
Peter: Well me and my group were thinking of adding new teammates so that quest could be easier
Muerte shrugged as he didn't have anything else to do. Besides keeping an eye on this place and certain individuals coming to this city soon.
Muerte: Sure I'll join your group
Peter: I'll understand if you say no-wait what?
Peter interrupted himself that Muerte accepted his proposal instantly. Meurte nodded.
Muerte: I said sure I'll join your group
Peter chuckled and nodded his head in thanks.
Peter: Thank you, you won't regret it, let's meet on the second floor inside the guild, ok?
Muerte tapping on the table looking to see the waitress has arrived with his drink.
Muerte: Sure, just let me get me my drink
Peter: Sure, see you there
Peter then stood up and left the inn. Leaving Muerte to drink his beer thinking of what to tell when he gets back home.
Present
Peter: So ya, that's pretty much how I recruited Muerte
The group just sat there with a bored and confused expression. Momon and Nabe being the most disappointed of it all. Nfirea moved the spoon around his bowl trying to get the story straight.
Nfirea: So wait, he just yes, and that it nothing else
Peter: Nope, nothing else happen he just said yes
Getting Momon and Nabe to groan in their mind as that was terrible information. Lukrut hmpth as he was eating his soup.
Lukrut: Well that was anticlimactic
Muerte: You guys talking about me
And as if he came from the shadows, Muerte appeared behind them holding a dozen wooden planks. This sudden appearance made the group jump in shock as he just appeared out of nowhere. Even Momon and Nabe were shocked although they didn't show it, Momon couldn't even sense him coming. Nabe meanwhile was glaring at this beastman growing more infuriated on who this man is. Muerte chuckled a bit as he picked up that habit with a certain death dodger but he earned it. Placing the rest of the wood on to the fireplace he sat down watching the fire glow brighter.
Peter: Well we were just telling a story about how I recruited you
Muerte was interested in story time as he did tell his version of stories in their beds but some weren't always a happy ending.
Muerte: Story, well I have a story, but I don't think you can handle it
Lukrut: Oh common, we seen all lot ugly things, I'm sure we can handle a little story
Lukrut slapping his knee, Muerte smiled and leaned forward towards the fire
Muerte: Oh really, well ok but be warned even the bravest of knights were shaken after hearing my story
The group stood up straight, intrigued by the story. Muerte, finding his audience, looked into the fire intensely and spoke.
Muerte: The story is called El Silbón or The whistling man.
Lukrut instantly laughed as this story about a man who whistles doesn't seem all that intimidating. Heck it might have been a children's story based on the context.
Lukrut: Ba-hahahahaha! What type of name is that?! Oh I can tell this is a baby story!
Peter then hit Lukrut's head...hard.
Lukrut: Owww! Hey?!
Peter: I'm sorry for his action, please continue
Peter apologizes to Muerte who shrugged as he faced this type of reaction before.
Muerte: Ok, with no interruptions here's how the story goes
Muerte: Once upon a time, Many years ago there was a young boy who lived with his mother, father and grandfather
The group listened in as the story was taking place thinking it involved a family.
Muerte: His parents couldn't say no to him so in turn the boy became incredibly spoiled, he would scream and throw a fit until he got what he wanted
The group instantly frowned knowing they had met people like that before. Momon thinking he had to deal with coworkers like that, Nabe with her sisters intentionally throwing a tantrum because it irritated her, and Ninya thinks about what happened to his sister as she somewhat misses those memories but he has no idea where to find her.
Muerte: One day the boy and his father were walking in the forest, the boy said that he was hungry and wanted to eat the entrails of a deer
The group instantly thought that boy might have been demonic in origin because who starts a conversation like that they were just walking in the forest. Plus why the entrails specifically why not the meat of the deer.
Muerte: Desperate to please him, his father went deeper into the forest to hunt one down, but after hours of searching he returned to his son empty handed, furious and starving, the boy took his father's hunting knife and plunged it into his chest, again and again
The group got spooked that a child would kill his father so brutally and without a second thought. Momon was instantly taken aback as he heard of demon children but that was a metaphor not an actual demon. Nabe smiled at the bloodshed spilled on a human and listened in more as Muerte was getting to the good part.
Muerte: He ripped open his father's abdomen and pulled out his innards, the boy returned home and threw the entrails on the kitchen counter in front of his mother "Cook this" he demanded
The group and Mormon thought how barbaric he was being as he was essentially forcing his mother to cook his father's entrails. Nabe thinks this might be a story Demiurge will tell to any human children then force them to reenact it as he tells his supposed bedtime stories.
Muerte: His mother was suspicious "Where did you get this?' she asked hesitantly, "I got them from father" he casually replied.
Muerte: "And where did your father get them?" the boy didn't speak for while then he replied "He grew them in his belly"
Nabe: 'Nice'
Nabe thought and chuckled in her mind on how he replied.
Muerte: The boy's grandfather overheard and decided it was time his grandson learned a lesson, he tied him to a tree and whipped his back until it was raw and bloody.
The group was getting a little pale as yes he did deserve it but yikes. Momon thinks it was just deserved for him to have no ounce of pity or remorse that he killed his father in cold blood. Hoping not to spoil the others too much with how things proceed from here. Nabe Was listening intently as Muerte was describing the punishment and curse that will probably be enacted as she thinks this was a story of witches or wizards in the woods who spread the story.
Muerte: He rubbed lemon juice and spices in his wounds to make them sting, he put the father's remains in a sack and threw it on the boy's wounded back, the boy ran into the forest but was unable to outrun his grandfather's dogs who devoured him in seconds
The group thought how savage that execution was while Momon and Nabe thought that was a fitting death to fill the bellies of dogs if he wanted to fill his belly with entrails.
Muerte: "You should not have done that to your father, I curse you, you will be damned for all eternity" his grandfather curse had turned him into...El Silbón the whistling man
Muerte looked up from the fireplace and saw their shocked and scared expressions of the group. Muerte's smile decides to change the story a bit to add in that extra punch in the story.
Muerte: Some people say you can still hear his bone chilling whistling as he wonders the world the heavy sack on his back
Muerte smiled widely, this didn't help their scared faces, he then stood up, his scary mood turning a full 180.
Muerte: Welp! I'm going take first watch, see y'all in the morning!
Muerte turns around and walks back into the shadows and continues whistling. When he was gone the group looked at their food then pushed it away.
Lukrut: Yea after hearing that I'm think I'm done eating
Lukrut looked like he was sick with Ninya joining in.
Ninya: Same here
Peter sighed and heard the whistling out of nowhere giving him chills.
Peter: Well I guess we rest up for tonight, and continue tomorrow
The group agreed to rest up today and turn into their tents. Leaving only Momon and Nabe to think about what this story entails.
Momon: So what did you think of the story Nabe?
Nabe smiled.
Nabe: It was a good story. I think Demiurge would have liked it.
Momon nodded thinking there might have been a hidden meaning in that story. Hearing the whistling again as both see Muerte in the distance. He waved as he climbed a tree to take the first watch of the night. Nabe furrows on who this mystery man is and has little information on him. But Momon thought for a moment and thought about that story. El Silbón, The whistling man. That name can't be a coincidence as the whistles he heard might be his mo but he was a beastmen. Plus he knows a language that isn't Japanese or English.
Momon: El Silbón, hmm. wait...El...Silbón...isn't that Spanish?
Racking his brain with that type of language and saying it over in his mind that he heard of names having similar sound like El Salvador in the football wars in South america. Watching a history video with his friends as they wanted to share it with him. He looked up seeing Muerte waving at them as he whistled in the night as both watched his form disappear in the night. Leaving the two alone with nothing but the cold winds in the night. Nabe gripped her weapon.
Nabe: Sir, I think we are compromised, we need to-
Momon: No, Nabe
Momon interrupted and Nabe looked for the first time worried against forces of the unknown.
Momon: For better or worse, we are locked in a stalemate as they might have their own spies gathering information on everyone, for now we must wait and see what this Muerte is doing, hopefully ours will do the same
Nabe sighed and nodded her head.
Nabe: Of course sir...be careful
She said making some paces forward yet not far enough to leave Momon alone. In the meantime he looked up in the sky seeing the stars shine bright underneath him. Thinking about this type of games felt kind of nostalgic when the guild wars happened in earnest. He remembered it fondly as he was the logistic and planner of the guild as they debated and talked of plans and strategy. Preferring defeat to learn more than crushing them when they overextended. He chuckled in his mind that this felt kind of fun but this was kept for keeps, still he doesn't mind having someone to spar with from time to time.
Momon: Alright, Kroq-gar. I'll play your game.
Poor levels in E-Rantel
In the lower levels of E-Rantel the same hooded woman killed a guard by stabbing him in the eye. She then walks slowly towards a man, wiping away some specks of blood off her face and putting away her two long daggers she calls stilettos, humming as she steps closer and closer to a man cowering in fear by the alleyway wall.
Random: Why are you doing this?
The woman smiled as she tilted her head to the side.
?: Because you have a little information and I need some talented pharmacist~
The man quickly tries to beg for his life.
Random: You wanted Nfirea Bareare, there I told you now please let me go.
The woman chuckled as she went closer to his face watching him squirm.
?: Oh no silly man, you could be lying to me, I should be thorough~
The man gasped quickly trying to say everything he had in mind so he could live.
Random: If you want proof all you have to do is ask the other brokers they tell you the same thing I'm sure of it
The woman blows in the air tapping her chin.
?: You took the fun out of this, fine I'll put it in another way, I love killing, bloodshed is my one true passion, my art, and I need practice, oh did I mention torture~
She said pretending to be disappointed and instead revealed her hobbies, finding him quite a good subject to practice. This scared the man so he tried to run away, the woman looked over.
?: Heyyy, I didn't say you could leave
The man didn't listen and still kept running.
Random: What the hell is wrong with that woman?! Shit!
The man was then stabbed in the back and for some strange reason his eyes changed color.
?: My, My, that look painful~
The women coyed, The man turned around feeling like his sense of self was being overwritten. Finding the pain he felt to be good.
Random: Hahaha, it is but I feel fantastic.
The women chuckled and leaned in close to the man whose face was becoming more slacken and the light of his eyes slowly grew dim.
?: Good, very good, now tell what I want to know~?
Back at the cemetery, the guard, now an undead
E-rantel Community cemetery
Kaji: "Create undead"
Then the dead rose up, blood dripping from his left eye and soon left to join the others.
?: That jewel of death is sure great at making zombie, but I think you might be going a little overboard with it~
The woman played around with her sword swinging it around. Kaji rolled his eyes.
Kaji: Because you keep playing around.
?: I like my work~
The woman defended herself. Kaji turned around to face her.
Kaji: You need to focus, Clementine. I've spent years preparing to turn E-Rantel into a city of death, but for my plan to work I need its people to be alive.
The woman named Clementine moved in place back and forth thinking about that ritual.
Clementine: Oh right that spiral of death thingy~
Kaji: Precisely, the same ritual our exultant leader one try, if done correctly it will turn the capital into a pit of undead overnight
Kaji explained and then pulled out a purple orb out of his robe.
Kaji: If I use this to collect the power of death, that's left in its wake, my dream of immortality will at last be realized, if your antics continue to cause me trouble you'll be the next zombie I'll create
Clementine just smirks then tries to kill the Kaji with her Stiletto but it was no use as her blade hit a bone wall. Kaji groaned as she would spend time killing him to play a game rather than focus.
Kaji: You're more foolish than I thought
Clementine held her face pretending to be hurt.
Clementine: Don't be mad that was nothing more than a love tap~
Kaji narrowed his eyes
Kaji: We both know that's a lie
Clementine sighs, putting back her weapon.
Clementine: You always manage to impress Kaji, it's sexy~
Kaji audibly made a disgusting noise as Clementine began to walk away before she remembered something and looked back.
Clementine: I'll be sure not to bring my play things home, that work for you
Kaji just groaned, as Clementine left.
Kaji: 'Hard to believe she was once black scripture, her power earn her the 9th seat of there order, but that corrupt personality made her troublesome, I'll have to keep an eye on her'
Word count 7604
How did I do?